Middle Schools vs. Junior High Schools

Which are better for the development of a child middle schools or junior high schools? Both were created to bridge the gap between elementary school and high school, so what is the difference?

Middle School

• Student-Centered
• Fosters collaboration of students
• Affective and cognitive growth are emphasized
• Focuses on creative explorations and experimentation of subject matter
• Varies length of time students are in courses
• Offers high interest exploratory coursework
• Advisory program = teacher-oriented guidance
• Athletics organized around intramural concept

Junior High School

• Subject-Centered
• Fosters competition of students
• Cognitive development is first priority
• Focuses on mastery of concepts and skills in separate disciplines
• Offers subjects for one semester or one year
• Provides highly structured activity program after school
• Study hall = access to counselor upon request
• Athletics organized around interscholastic concept

Junior High Schools were created mainly for 7th and 8th grade students and were designed to be just like the high school setting. Middle schools were created to have a different grade organization and a more developmentally responsive program to provide a more gradual and appropriate transition between elementary and high school years. The middle school feature interdisciplinary teaming, small learning communities, a teacher advisory program, and special learning centers where students can catch up on needed skills or branch out for further explorations.

Some schools have the term middle school in there name. But are they really a middle school? Are they a junior high school? Or are the combination of both. What do you think is best for the development of children?

My opinion:

I went to a school that had all grades from kindergarten to eighth grade in one building. I greatly enjoyed my time at this school, but I think I would have enjoyed going to a middle school or junior high school more. The only think I remember about my elementary school that was even similar to high school was that we switched classes. But all of our classes where on the same wing, so we didn't have far to go. I think I would have benefited by attending a school that help with the transition from elementary to high school. Luckily all the schools in our county are set up the same way, so we all had the same issues when we got to high school. Not being familiar with a junior high or middle school, I couldn't begin to say which format I think is better. However I can say I think they are necessary.

Sources:

Middle School Versus Junior High: Distinctions Between Middle Schools and Junior High Schools for Students. (n.d.). Middle School. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://middleschool.suite101.com/article.cfm/middle_school_versus_junior_high

Santrock, J. W. (2008). Life-Span Development (12 ed.). New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages.